How do I get family to help with Thanksgiving lunch?

Q: My husband and I bought a house, and offered 2 host his family's Thanksgiving this year. We have more room and its smoke free unlike his grandma's where we usually go. Since we've been married, their lunch has been unorganized and stressful. My mom in law, her daughter & her mom insist that people show up at noon with a dish. We get there & they haven't even begun cooking. I put a lot of effort into the food I bring & we have other stops to make. This year I'm nervous. I don't expect perfect, but so far no one has offered to cook anything substantial. My mom in law said she's make deviled eggs. She said it like it was a big deal. She CAN cook. I'm making the dressing, turkey, and hosting. I've asked the other women if we could get together and decide who bring what. For several family dinners, we always have 2 wait 4 my husband's sister who shows up late w/out food she said she'd bring. I don't want them 2 show up expecting me to do it all. What do I do?

A: Make a list of needed food items and when you see them ask them to sign up: Potatoes-Lucy, Rolls-Jenny, Pie-Rita, etc. It sounds like you have quiet the twisted in laws though. Most people love the idea of bringing and sharing food, they sound like a whole different breed - good luck.

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